Johann Goethe was a famous author who lived from 1749-1832 and is best known for his version of Faust.  While he lived in Frankfurt, he was a semi-regular visitor to Darmstadt, only about 20 miles away.  The Goetheteich was supposedly a popular meeting place for the author and his friends, in the woods and out of the way.  The Association of International Forest Art has since placed some structures in the pond, which to my untrained eye, look like the torsos of men, as they slowly become submerged.  It's an interesting sight.

The paths in Darmstadt and the rest of Germany, tend to have road names that come up on most mapping programs and in the German road maps.  As you walk along this location, you notice a number of pieces of "art."  At least that's how I can best explain them.  There are items like the one pictured above, that are certainly unique.  This letterbox is hidden not too far from one of these pieces of "art," by the Goetheteich, or Goethe Pond.

While the structures throughout the woods take care of the "art" portion of this box, the stamp itself is a copy of a piece of early modern art.  Solve the virtual version of the Darmstadt stamp, to find out more.

• Follow Klappacher Strasse towards the Polizei Praesidium, or the Police Station.  At the entrance to the Police Station, the road splits and you can follow a dirt path to a parking area.  Pull over here to begin your hike.  If you take the bus, the closest stop is "Marienhospital."
• Once you enter the parking area, you notice two paths.  One to the left and one to the right, from the perspective of the entrance.  Take the one to the left.  There is a sign that tells you the name of the "road," Herrgottsbrunnenweg.  Just follow this "road."
• You'll end up passing three major intersections, as they also have "road signs" with the "road" names.  Don't turn off onto these paths, unless you're just curious.  About .3 miles in, you'll see a large stone on your left.  On the stone is a plaque, honoring Johann Goethe.
• While standing in front of the plaque, look at the large groups of rocks.  To the left rear, is a large grouping.  If you backtrack 5 feet, you can walk to the base of these stones.  There is a crevice at the base, stuffed with leaves.  Reach in and find your stamp.

*Be wary, as this path isn't crowded, but rather popular with joggers and walkers.  I hid this on a Thursday in December, around 12:30pm.  Even then, I had to hang out at the plaque a few times and look inconspicuous to passerbys.*

After you find the box, continue on the path, around the corner, and you will arrive at Goetheteich.  If you backtrack to the final intersection, the path is Salzlackschneise, you can follow that to other structures like the one pictured above.  There are also a number of birdhouses planted on top of poles that make in interesting sight.

For those of you interested, the plaque reads as follows...

(German)
Ich irrer wandrer fühlt erst auf dir Besitzthmus Freuden und Heimats Glück.  Da, wo wir lieben ist Vaterland; wo wir genießen, ist Hof und Haus. 
--J.W. Goethe--
Darmstadt, in Mai 1772

Here's a rough translation, I had help from my co-worker...
I, the lost wanderer, first notice my feeling about you, when I have happiness and nostalgia.  Here, where we love is the Fatherland; where we enjoy, is home and house. 
--J.W. Goethe--
Darmstadt, in May 1772